| Sarah
Geronimo: new TV show Sarah G Live! is a "big responsibility"
|
| Ngayon
pa lang ay kinakabahan na ang Popstar Princess na si Sarah Geronimo sa magiging
bago niyang weekly show sa ABS-CBN, ang Sarah G. Live!. |
 |
 |
| Lani
Misalucha - Beautiful Inside and Out |
| She
was born in Manila, Philippines and named Lani, which in the Hawaiian language
means heaven. How could her parents have foreseen that this little
girl would become an international star and eventually have her own show
in Hawai Blessed with a voice that is heavenly, her name Lani
says it all. A star was born! |
 |
 |
| Maja
sees herself settling down with Matteo |
| At
the presscon of their first film together, "My Cactus Heart," Maja Salvador
finally confirmed reports that she and Matteo Guidicelli have been a couple
for nearly three years. |
 |
 |
| Characters
and Hypocrites Darkened the Courtroom |
| by
Ms. Bing Gabriel in answer to the reported news in Balitang America on 01/4/2012
news edition. |
 |
 |
| Lani
vs Society of Seven |
| Las
Vegas Siren of the Strip Lani Misalucha and the legendary group Society
of Seven (SOS) teamed up and headlined highly-acclaimed shows in Sin City
for over four years until they parted ways in 2009. Their paths have just
crossed again in Honolulu, this time as rivals... |
 |
 |
| Anna
Maria marks 21st B-day with private cruise party |
| Former Disney
artist Anna Maria Perez de Tagle has a lot to be thankful for. Shes
the latest Filipino talent to conquer the world stage, cast in the Broadway
show Godspell where she gets to sing Day By Day, the most popular song from
the musical. |
 |
 |
| Stars
start 2012 with a bang |
| TODAYS
hottest stars Piolo Pascual, Angelica Panganiban, Diether Ocampo, Bea Alonzo,
Gerald Anderson, Kim Chiu and John Lloyd Cruz are no means resting on their
laurels. Its still work, work, work for these young superstars this
coming year. |
 |
 |
| Yellow
Journalism Gone Berserk |
| Nobody
should be allowed to just ruin the reputation of people and get away with
it, unscathed. Such wickedness has no place in a civilized society and must
be stopped in the name of decent journalism. |
 |
 |
| Football
star Tim Tebow still unknown in Philippines city of his birth |
| There
isn't any Tebowing going on in Makati City, the sprawling municipality in
the Philippines that was the unlikely birthplace for the most talked-about
athlete in the United States. Not yet, anyway. |
 |
 |

Sarah
Geronimo: new TV show Sarah G Live! is a "big responsibility"
by Nerisa Almo
Philippine Entertainment Portal, January 25, 2012
Ngayon pa lang ay kinakabahan na ang Popstar Princess na si Sarah
Geronimo sa magiging bago niyang weekly show sa ABS-CBN, ang Sarah G.
Live!.
Unang pagkakataon
para sa 23-year-old celebrity na magkaroon ng sarili niyang programa.
Kaya naman nang
makapanayam siya ng PEP.ph (Philippine Entertainment Portal) at iba pang
media noong nakaraang Huwebes, January 19, sinabi niya na isa itong malaking
responsibilidad.
Bukod pa rito,
nakakakaba rin daw ang magiging pagtanggap ng mga manonood sa kanya at sa
programa.
"Siyempre, kinakabahan
po.
"Siyempre, hindi
naman po ito ASAP na marami kaming artists na magdadala.
"'Yong pangalan
ko po mismo ang naka-front, Sarah G. Live!," sabi ni Sarah sa muli niyang
pagharap sa press.
Ito ay naganap
sa launch ng bago niyang Jollibee endorsement kanina, January 25, sa
Greenmeadows, Libis, Quezon City.
Bagamat kinakabahan,
tiniyak ni Sarah na, "I'll do my best po talaga.
"Talagang gagawin
po namin ang lahat para mabigyan ng magandang entertainment ang televiewers
natin."
Nakatakdang magsimula
ang Sarah G. Live! sa February 19.
PREPARATIONS
Hindi lamang daw
puro performances niya ang mapapanood ng publiko sa kanyang show.
Magkakaroon din
siya ng interviews sa mga sorpresang panauhin linggu-linggo.
Paano niya ito
pinaghahandaan?
"Hindi ko nga
po alam kung paano!" natatawang sagot ni Sarah.
"Sabi nila, maging
natural lang ako kapag nag-i-interview.
"Parang gusto
lang nilang makita pa kung ano si Sarah Geronimo.
"Hindi lang as
a performer, gusto pa nilang makilala ako.
"So, good luck
sa akin, good luck sa mga mapapanood ninyo.
"May pagka-reality
TV show."
Pagdating naman
sa pangangalaga ng kanyang boses, mas nagiging maingat na si Sarah ngayon,
lalo pa't mas mapapadalas ang kanyang pagpe-perform sa bago niyang programa.
Aniya, "Continuous
pa rin naman po 'yong daily routine ko before singing, like mag-vocalize.
"Siyempre, mahirap
naman po iwasan ang mga masasarap na pagkain, like mga sweets, medyo maaanghang
at saka malalamig, so bawas-bawasan na rin 'yong mga 'yon.
"Actually ngayon,
happy po ako na hindi ako nagkakaproblem sa throat ko.
"Hindi na ako
masyadong nagkakasakit.
"Siguro po, nakuha
ko na rin proper technique.
"At saka siguro,
nabawasan na rin ang pagkanta ko ng beyond my range na songs."
BECOMING A
FAMILY PERSON
Samantala, sa
naturang panayam ay natanong din ng PEP at ibang media si Sarah kung anong
taon siya magiging isang pamilyadong tao.
Malayu-layo pa
raw ang panahong ito para kay Sarah: "Mga five or eight years!"
At dahil 23 siya
ngayon, ibig sabihin ay magiging pamilyado siya pag 28 na siya o di kaya'y
31.
Gayunman, inamin
niya na minsan ay naiisip niya na rin ang sitwasyong ito.
"Hindi natin po
masabi, pero gusto ko po talaga, makapag-ipon muna at saka mag-grow pa as
a person.
"Gusto ko lang
naman, maging responsableng wife at magiging mother din sa mga anak ko at..."
Sa puntong ito,
biglang napahinto si Sarah at saka pabirong sinabi, "Wow! Puwedeng manliligaw
muna? Puwedeng manliligaw muna sa akin?"
Dagdag pa niya,
"Hindi ko naman po minamadali 'yon, e."
Nang tanungin
kung handa na siyang tumanggap ng mga manliligaw, sagot ni Sarah: "Sabi ko
naman po sa mga past interviews ko na hindi masamang i-allow mo 'yong friendship
with some guys.
"Pero 'yong
relationships, parang hindi po muna."
Pahabol pa niya,
"Siguro kung papayagan ako ng parents ko."
ON GERALD ANDERSON
Kinumusta ng PEP
ang pagiging magkaibigan nila ni Gerald.
Matatandaan na
noong nakaraang taon, nagkasama sila sa dalawang pelikulaang Catch
Me I'm In Love at Won't Last a Day Without You.
Sa kanilang ikalawang
pelikula, mas naging matindi ang pagbibiro sa kanilang
dalawa na umano'y bagay silang magkapareha.
Nabigyan pa ito
ng kulay nang lumabas ang balitang nakatanggap si Sarah ng isang Tiffany
necklace mula kay Gerald bilang Christmas gift.
Sabi ni Sarah
sa PEP, "Hindi ko pa nga po siya nakikita po, e. Katatapos lang ng bakasyon
ko.
"Natutuwa naman
po ako, na kahit tapos ang pelikula namin, nandoon pa rin ang friendship.
"Masaya, masaya
naman po."
Aprub ba si Gerald
sa Mommy Divine niya?
"Okay lang naman
po. Nakita naman po niya na si Gerald ay okay katrabaho," maikling sagot
ni Sarah.
Kilala si Mommy
Divine bilang strict protector ng kaniyang anak.
At habang wala
pang ibang pahiwatig si Mommy Divine, kinikilala pa ring bawal kay Mommy
Divine ang pagbo-boyfriend ni Sarah.
Lani
Misalucha - Beautiful Inside and Out
By Nancy Bernal
Fil-Am Courier, January 2012
She was born in
Manila, Philippines and named Lani, which in the Hawaiian language means
heaven. How could her parents have foreseen that this little
girl would become an international star and eventually have her own show
in Hawaii. Blessed with a voice that is heavenly, her name Lani
says it all. A star was born!
Who is this beautiful
woman with a five-octave vocal range? How did Lani Misalucha achieve award
winning status as an entertainer and reach the high-level recognition of
being an internationally-acclaimed Singer?
Lanis parents
(Benjamin G. Bayot and Esperanza S. Dimalanta) had five children (Osiris,
Novier, May, Lani and Karlyn). Coming from a family that enjoyed music, Lani
Bayot, spent her teen years in the Philippines singing in Church Choirs,
including the Ellin Wood Youth Choir. It was at a youth conference involving
the choir where Lani met her husband, Noli Misalucha. They courted for five
years before marrying and have been happily married for twenty-six years.
In addition to being Lanis husband, Noli is also her Manager.
Lani looked forward
to being a wife and a mother and although she loved to sing, she was not
intent on a professional singing career. But her path took a different direction.
Lanis older sister sang professionally in a band and needed Lanis
assistance when she was not available to perform for an engagement. Lani
filled in for her and caught the attention of people in the music industry.
She began to receive requests for singing performances, recording jingles
for radio and television commercials and recording demo vocals for multiplex
tapes. Lani quickly learned how to copy the vocals of the original artists
and sounded just like them on the demo recordings.
While gaining
attention as a professional singer, Lani still made time for her family and
had two daughters, Louven and Lian. Louven is now twenty years old and Lian
is eighteen years old; both are attending school in the Las Vegas area, but
will be visiting their parents in Hawaii whenever possible.
This was just
the beginning for Lani Misaluchas Award Winning international super-star
career that would eventually bring her to Hawaii for her Special Engagement
at The Magic of Polynesia Showroom at the Holiday Inn Waikiki Beachcomber
Resort on Tuesdays thru Saturdays at 8:30 p.m. During this interview, it
was obvious that Lani is a warm and caring individual that is humble and
sincere. Her love for her husband, daughters and family members is evident
and her appreciation for people and life is constant. She shared her personal
feelings on some topics.
1. TELL US A LITTLE
ABOUT YOURSELF.
I am a very shy person and always have been. Before I go on stage,
I am very nervous and I get butterflies in my stomach - hoping that everything
will go well. Once I start performing, then I am fine.
SOME FUN FACTS
ABOUT LANI:
Birthdate: August 3
Favorite Color: Yellow - because it is so bright
Passion in Life: Singing and to share her voice with as many people as possible
2. WHO ARE YOUR
GREATEST INFLUENCES - IN MUSIC AND IN LIFE?
In music, Barbara Streisand was an influence to me and in my life,
my mother is my greatest influence - Esperanza Bayot.
3. HAVE YOU HAD
VOCAL TRAINING?
I have never had a vocal coach. I taught myself how to sing at an early
age and there was always singing in my home.
4. IT IS OFTEN
DIFFICULT FOR A PHILIPPINE ARTIST TO SUCCEED IN THE AMERICAN MUSIC MARKET?
HOW DID THIS TRANSITION HAPPEN FOR YOU?
I recorded several CDs in the Philippines, including an album in 1999
under VIVA Records and in 2001 I had a solo concert at Araneta Colliseum.
I also was on television regularly. While being so busy in the Philippines,
I was contacted by a Producer residing in America that offered me an opportunity
to perform in a show in Las Vegas with The Society of Seven. My husband and
I decided to accept this offer and moved our family to Las Vegas where I
performed in several showrooms throughout the years. My most recent show
in Las Vegas was my solo show - Voices at The Las Vegas
Hilton.
5. WHAT CHALLENGES
DID YOU HAVE TO OVERCOME?
Leaving the stability of the Philippines and adjusting to a new culture
in America was a new beginning for us. My family is my priority and I had
to balance my family and career schedule and still work hard to succeed as
an entertainer.
6. WHAT BROUGHT
YOU TO HAWAII FOR THIS SPECIAL ENGAGEMENT?
Roy Tokujo met with me and presented this great opportunity to perform
in the Magic of Polynesia Showroom in Waikiki. I met with the wonderful people
of Roberts Hawaii and my husband and I agreed to accept this invitation.
It was a very quick decision and we had to move from Las Vegas to Hawaii
with very short notice. But we knew we made the right choice and are looking
forward to living in Hawaii and performing for the local people, as well
as for the visitors from around the world.
7. WHEN YOU ARE
STAGE, WHAT IS GOING THROUGH YOUR MIND WHILE YOU ARE PERFORMING?
I look out into the faces of the people in the audience and I sing
to them. I connect to my audience while I perform and look at them as friends.
I try to bring a smile to their face and hope to touch them emotionally.
8. WHAT CAN PEOPLE
EXPECT FROM YOUR SHOW?
They can expect to laugh, to be touched, to dance and to have fun.
9. YOU CAN SING
ALL TYPES OF MUSIC AND DO IMPRESSIONS? WHAT WILL YOU BE DOING IN YOUR HAWAII
SHOW?
I will be performing a variety of music including pop, opera and upbeat
tunes and impersonations of some of the biggest female artists of all time.
Recording the demo vocals for multiplex recordings when I was younger was
a good preparation for doing vocals on impersonations.
10. WHAT ADVICE
WOULD YOU GIVE TO AN ASPIRING PERFORMER?
Hold on to the principals that you always live by. Always choose the
right things in life.
11. WHAT IS YOUR
MESSAGE TO THE PEOPLE OF HAWAII?
I am very grateful to everyone making it possible for me to perform
in Hawaii and I appreciate the welcoming aloha spirit from the people.
12. WHAT IS YOUR
NEW YEARS RESOLUTION FOR 2012?
This coming new year, like every other new year, we all make our
resolutions aiming to better ourselves and our way of life. And for this
year, as I always have, my new years resolution is very attainable.
So here goes, this coming new year I would like to be more disciplined.
Disciplined in every sense of the word. With discipline one can achieve order,
success and everything else thats good will follow.
13. QUESTION FOR
NOLI MISALUCHA - WHAT DO YOU LOVE MOST ABOUT LANI?
Despite all that she has accomplished in her life, she is still very
grounded and is still the same person. I love her for still being the person
she is. Noli fondly remembers how he courted Lani in their teen years
and he would walk her home after choir rehearsals. As he talks about her,
a warm smile spreads across his face; a smile of love, admiration and pride
for her wife.
Lani Misaluchas
Show is an incredible production of impressive lighting, crystal clear audio,
the best musicians and back-up vocalists in a spectacular showroom. All of
this is effective because of the talent of the beautiful star onstage - Lani
Misalucha. Her inner beauty radiates in every song she performs and her passion
for entertaining is contagious. Her friendly conversation with the audience
and up close and personal approach will make you feel like you
are part of her family - like you have known her for years. What a special
gift she has!
If you are looking
for a feel-good type of show that will warm your heart and keep you spellbound
with high-energy entertainment, take time to experience the Lani Misalucha
Show. She looks forward to meeting you. For tickets and more information
please visit
www.LaniInHawaii.com.
Maja
sees herself settling down with Matteo
by Ethel Ramos
Malaya, Jan. 16, 2012
AT the presscon of their
first film together, "My Cactus Heart," Maja Salvador finally confirmed reports
that she and Matteo Guidicelli have been a couple for nearly three years.
Why she chose
to announce it only now, Maja said it was about time.
Matteo, who was
seated close to Maja, merely smiled after the revelation. He glanced lovingly
at Maja.
So far, Maja added,
their relationship has been smooth-sailing. Except, of course, for what she
now describes as a not-so pleasant encounter between Matteo and Coco Martin,
reportedly because of her, which happened at the Star Magic ball at a plush
hotel in Makati.
But things have
been ironed out. "Its not even talked-about anymore, di ba?" Maja stated.
Matteo, on his
part, admitted he has a tendency to get jealous, but he is trying to control
it, he added.
On the other hand,
Maja, he explained, has a habit of trying to please everyone, which he
misunderstands sometimes.
"Ako naman," Maja
cut in, "because I love him, I try to understand him all the time. Kasi naman
mabait si Matteo in all aspects.
"Besides, alam
ko ring mahal niya ako."
Are they considering
marriage?
"Not this early,"
Maja quickly answered. "Ako, lalagay ako sa tahimik when Im in my 30s.
And that would be seven years from now.
"I hope Matteo
can wait that long."
***
"My Cactus Heart"
is Majas second major movie after the indie film, "Thelma," which had
her playing the title role.
"Thelma," directed
by Paul Soriano, got Maja rave reviews from the critics. She was convincing
in her role as a long-distance runner who beat the odds not only in the racing
track but also on the home front.
"But I assure
you," Enrico Santos, who directs "My Cactus Heart," said, "Maja is even better
here. Believable siya in her role as a girl who comes from a dysfunctional
family. Her dad left them for another woman kaya she grew up cynical sa love
and living, until nga two men came into her life."
Aside from Matteo,
Majas other leading man in "My Cactus Heart" is Xian Lim, who is creating
a stir for his performance as the man who loves Kim Chiu in the series, "My
Binondo Girl."
"My Cactus Heart"
is Xians first movie, while Matteo already has appeared in "Catch Me
Im In Love" with Sarah Geronimo and Gerald Anderson.
Produced by Star
Cinema, "My Cactus Heart" is opening in more than 100 theaters on January
25.
***
Helen Gamboa,
Richard Gomez and Dawn Zulueta had their spouses with them at the premiere
showing of their new ABS CBN series, "Walang Hanggan."
Helens husband,
of course, is Senator Tito Sotto.
Richards
wife, Lucy Torres, is a Congresswoman representing Ormoc City.
Dawns husband
is Davao Congressman Anton Lagdameo.
All of Helen,
Richard and Dawns co-stars were accounted for, of course. And they
include Susan Roces, Eddie Gutierrez and young stars Coco Martin, Julia Montes,
Paulo Avelino and Melissa Ricks.
"Walang Hanggan"
directors are Jerry Lopez Seneneng and Trina Dayrit.
All of them came
in their best togs.
Five episodes
of the series were shown during the premiere. All who watched agree that
"Walang Hanggan" is the must-see series this season.
Susan, after seeing
the first five episodes, expressed excitement on what next will be seen in
the series.
A confessed fan
of teleseryes, Susan said she is proud she is part of "Walang Hanggan." She
is sure, she added, that the viewers will be able to relate to the characters
the stars portray.
"Actually," she
further stated, "what convinced me to do the series when it was first offered
to me aside, of course, from the fact that Ill be working with
a powerhouse cast is the story.
"Its the
kind of love story you, as a viewer, would want to be a part of."
Characters
and Hypocrites Darkened the Courtroom
by Ms. Bing Gabriel
in answer to the reported news in Balitang America on 01/4/2012 news edition.
[This article
is from Bing Gabriel's Facebook]
ABS-CBN through
Balitang America seems to thrive on the garbage peddled as news from the
US by a struggling reporter who goes by the name of Don Tagala. As a result
what the TV show feeds the public is about Filipinos having problems abroad
and magnifying the issue/s to absurdum to gain acceptance as riveting news
at the same time make the reporter look credible. But still people watching
Balitang America are almost inclined to believe the show wants Filipinos
here to fight all the time so that it can gratify the bestial instinct of
human beings.
Until now Tagala
is still striving for recognition and acceptance in the Filipino community
as a legitimate media man. I could sense that some people instinctively distrust
him after they hear his report full of hate, half-truths and outright lies
at Balitang America. Tagalas clothes are a problem because it makes
him look so ordinary that people are liable to doubt if he is a real reporter.
Its a pity
because he is in the company of good people. ABS-CBN and Balitang America
should take note of this debit in Tagalas appearance. They should provide
him with good clothes and shoes since he represents these giant
networks.
Incidentally,
I would like to serve notice to all and sundry that my conscience is clear
and my heart is pure. I have not fooled or cheated anybody that I should
be ashamed of. It is the way others evaluate what I do, that make them
apprehensive in dealing with me. But thats their problem. One thing
I value most about myself is that I am not easily intimidated by blackmailers
and writers practicing yellow journalism and businessmen with checkered
backgrounds.
If Don Tagala
fed Balitang America with the falsehood that the Filipina concert producer
admitted conning all her investors, then who is guilty of conning the
officials of ABS-CBN or Balitang America feeding them with a tissue of lies
against me? Only an ingrate like Judas himself will deliberately mislead
his benefactor. Are you a Judas, Don? If you are then its about time
Balitang America should send a more responsible foreign correspondent to
the United States who is not plagued with selective hate for a Filipina like
me. By the way Don, is this your gratitude to ABS-CBN?
To begin with,
I did not con the complainant who brought me to court because I issued him
a corresponding check, informing him, in good faith, that theres no
sufficient fund during that time and as per his own request, for what he
supposedly invested in my show. How Tagala arrived at such a sordid conclusion
(multiple investors joining me), boggles logic. Only an idiot would make
such a mistake and I hope he is not an idiot, yet. Besides, I will never
incriminate myself about something that is not true like I conned all
my investors. Don, please give my intelligence more credit than that,
naman.
Balitang America,
please verify the news you are fed by anybody false assumptions reflect
negatively on the credibility of the network. Don Tagala has nothing to lose
but ABS-CBN (Balitang America) has a tremendous stake in every broadcast.
Tagala who appears
to be obsessed with hate against me went into a frenzy of interviewing bystanders
like palengkeras and palengkeros he is at home with, immediately after the
hearing. He boxed them in front of his maxi-mini camera after I was forced
to agree with the court the other day to just settle the problem with the
plaintiff amicably just to get it over with. The investor wanted
his money back, fine. I agreed and pay I will.
For the record
however, he invested on the condition of just making profits without incurring
probable loses as most businesses encounter every now and then. On this condition
even Wall Street can go bankrupt. Nonetheless, having no malice in my heart
I issued him a corresponding check, which became the bone of contention in
his payment demand that culminated in the court initiated arrangement.
But Tagala called
the settlement as proven GUILTY. Could it be because he already
preconditioned his mind to malign me as he has consistently done since before
for I know not why? His unseemly attitude of focusing on destroying my character
should be the cue for ABS-CBN (Balitang America) to assign him to the Congo
where he could do what he pleases - lie to his hearts content.
Every character
present in court was a legend of virtue in her/his own mind. So the poor
Tagala got the garbage he collected for Balitang America with the unwarranted
remarks and speculations of holier than thou. Some of those who made comments
against me were total strangers. How they could they say derogatory things
about someone they do not know, is reason to distrust Tagalas cocktail
of lies that degrade me before the television viewers. But I leave him with
his conscience if it still bothers him in his solitude.
The settlement
was no big deal because long before, I already offered him the same amount
that the court imposed on me to pay every month until the full amount is
covered. Thus, there was nothing new in the final decision of the court.
It was my choice not anybody elses. In fact, I was on the verge of
thanking the judge for giving me the opportunity to get this problem off
my chest once and for all and to stop this old man from nagging me and harassing
the community not to trust me.
I dont know
him that well or if he had a dark past. Maybe he is very clean that he can
moralize every time he talks. People have their own problems and they should
solve those problems themselves. No allusion to anybody I know, but there
are some people who should have been investigated for selling pirated DVDs
and expired food products. So what is new?
Among those
interviewed by Tagala was a woman who claimed having invested with me. If
she feels aggrieved why doesnt she do it in the proper venue instead
of acting like a cheap character feeding the ego of Don Tagala by giving
him what he wants to hear? She should not croak like a wet chicken. She should
be decent, as she wants to portray herself to be by doing the right thing
go to the proper venue. Obviously, both she and Don were orchestrated
by the plaintiff who took advantage of ABS-CBNs network to paint him
as a solid businessman here when some people who know him since the 90s have
their reserved opinion of the man, and for sure they are not good.
As far as I know
he is just a mere individual hungry for publicity as is that woman who always
wants to be seen on TV or be in the news when she is nothing to deserve notice.
Indeed, there are so many pathetic characters loitering near television cameras
hoping to be seen for even a second, thats how desperate they are for
publicity good or bad. Don Tagala is very ideal for their sordid goal
to malign me in the media. I pity them.
Lani
vs Society of Seven
FUNFARE by Ricardo
F. Lo
Philippine Star, Jan. 11, 2011
Las Vegas Siren of the Strip Lani Misalucha and the legendary
group Society of Seven (SOS) teamed up and headlined highly-acclaimed shows
in Sin City for over four years until they parted ways in 2009.
Their paths have
just crossed again in Honolulu, this time as rivals, said Funfares
Big Apple correspondent Edmund Silvestre in a flash report.
Its
a friendly competition, Edmund hastened to add. No negative feelings
involved.
Yes, the two Filipino
singing greats are currently competing for the affection of audiences from
Waikikis huge tourism industry, 90 percent of which comes from around
the globe. Located in the south shore of Honolulu, Waikiki (which means
spouting waters) is home to luxurious hotels and resorts with
a vibrant nightlife and live music frequented by millions of visitors each
year. Its the same place where Regal Films shot a movie titled, you
guessed it, Waikiki, directed by Elwood Perez and starring Alma Moreno, Rio
Locsin, Lorna Tolentino, Victor Laurel, Ricky Belmonte and Alfie Anido.
Lani opened her
new show last Dec. 20 at the Magic of Polynesia showroom of Holiday Inn Waikiki
Beachcomber Hotel, while SOS has been playing at the main showroom of the
nearby Outrigger Waikiki on the Beach Hotel in a performance repeatedly voted
the Best Show in Waikiki by Honolulu magazine readers.
Not only are the two venues
located on Kalakaua Avenue, they also are situated almost across from each
other.
Its
really funny magkatapat lang ang hotels where they perform, Edmund
quoted Dina Maningas, a former New York concert producer and promoter who
moved to Honolulu to manage the Outrigger Hotel showroom with her husband
Odie Maningas.
Dina said that
Filipinos who get to visit Waikiki are often amazed to discover that Filipino
artists topbill two giant shows in the busy district night after night.
And it gives
them a sense of pride, she added.
Edmund said that
Dina, however, pointed out that Hawaiis SOS is a different version
from the Las Vegas group known as SOS LV (Latest Version). According to SOS
history, the original SOS opened at the Outrigger Waikiki in 1969, while
the younger version was formed in Las Vegas in 2001. However, the original
SOS eventually moved to Las Vegas and the SOS LV became the resident version
of the group at the Outrigger, its history on Wikipedia says.
SOS LV is composed
of Freddy Von Paraz, Jonathan Kaina, Glen Miyashiro, Mike DeGuzman, Jan Luna,
John Salvaterra, with its seventh honorary member and the first female member
of SOS, Jeannette Casuga Trevias, a former Music & Magic band member
and a most sought-after keyboardist in the Aloha State. The show also features
singer Melinda Fausto as special guest.
Although SOS has
been a regular crowd magnet at Outrigger Hotel for over four decades now
42 years to be exact! Dina told Edmund that the group is not
complacent with its time-tested success especially now that Lani, who has
always been a reliable box-office draw wherever she performs, is already
a big hit in Waikiki.
Lani, also known
as Asias Nightingale, was voted Best Singer in the 27th annual Best
of Las Vegas by the reputable Las Vegas Review Journal, with Las Vegas Mayor
Oscar Goodman declaring Dec. 4 Lani Misalucha Day.
We all know
that Lani is among the worlds best and she was signed up by the biggest
tourist company here (Roberts Hawaii)...at big production talaga ang diva,
said Dina. Kaya lang kasabay ng SOS show. Hahahahaha! But its
a friendly competition naman. Sabi nga, di ba the more, the merrier.
Sa dami ba naman ng tourists sa Hawaii hindi naman mauubusan ng audience.
And we know Lani, shes a beautiful person, inside and out, at wala
sa kanya yung mga rivalry. Shes here to work and entertain people
who come to experience Hawaiis high-energy nightlife.
Meanwhile, Dina
said that she and husband Odie are planning to spotlight Philippine-based
artists for limited engagements at Outrigger Hotel to attract the local Filipino
residents of Hawaii.
She confided to
Edmund that shes presently in touch with Gina Valenciano, hoping to
get Jericho Rosales. We can probably invite more artists in the future
but we want to try it first with Echo who is very popular among the locals
here, she said. Alam naming mahilig din si Echo mag-surfing and
he will enjoy Waikiki Beach.
Dina also mentioned
Gary Valenciano and Piolo Pascual and even Canada-based Joey Albert for future
stints with SOS at Outrigger.
There are
so many Filipinos who come here, many of them from Manilas high society,
as well as mainland USA and Canada, noted Dina. We usually give
discounts sa mga turistang kababayan and they really enjoy the SOS show.
They find the show sulit na sulit because of dazzling song and dance numbers,
big production numbers, and comedy acts and impersonations, kaya madalas
umuulit pa silang manood and they bring along more friends.
(Note: For
inquiries about the SOS performances at Outrigger Hotel, email
Sosshowroom@gmail.com
or
odinainc@yahoo.com)
Anna
Maria marks 21st B-day with private cruise party
from FUNFARE by
Ricardo F. Lo
Philippine Star, Dec. 28, 2011
Former Disney artist Anna Maria Perez de Tagle has a lot to be thankful
for. Shes the latest Filipino talent to conquer the world stage, cast
in the Broadway show Godspell where she gets to sing Day By Day, the most
popular song from the musical.
The daughter of
Artie Perez de Tagle and granddaughter of Sylvia La Torre, Anna Maria had
a good reason to celebrate her 21st birthday in style a private cruise
party along Hudson River in New York and New Jersey no less in the wee hours
of the cold winter night of Dec. 23.
Showcasing
her svelte frame in a floor-length blue gown, Anna welcomed the revelers
who were dressed to the nines, mostly Anna Marias co-stars and colleagues
from Godspell, reported Funfares Big Apple correspondent Edmund
Silvestre.
Her well-wishers,
including Korina Sanchez, wined and dined aboard U.S.S. Respect (by Statue
Cruises) with unlimited alcohol beverages and buffet (from baked salmon stuffed
with shrimp, and roast beef cooked to perfection, to out-of-this-world cakes
and pastries by the famous Sugar and Plumm NYC).
Added Edmund (who
interviewed Anna Maria for Funfare), And with the glistening lights
of Manhattan skyline in the background, everyone was treated to a
Philippine-style debut bash, usually reserved for girls who turn 18.
The nights
emcee, Anna Marias lovely aunt Gertrudes Tutut Guiang,
explained that Anna Maria wasnt able to experience the coming-of-age
traditional party when she reached 18 because she was simultaneously working
for the Hollywood film Fame and the TV-movie Camp Rock.
Just the same,
perhaps to make up for lost time, although there was no grand Cotillion,
Anna Maria had a 21 Roses Dance with 21 of the most special men
in her life, including her dad Artie and Kuya King (both dapper that night),
and her Camp Rock co-star Justin Deanda who is reportedly courting Anna Maria.
As she hit the
legal drinking age, Anna Maria had her first official sip of wine courtesy
of actor Hunter Parrish (who plays Jesus in Godspell), who handed the celebrator
a wine glass amid the crowds cheers.
Ive
tried wine before at some functions, but its a lot cool knowing that
you can now do it openly without wondering if youre doing something
illegal, a laughing Anna Maria later told Funfare.
But just because
shes of legal age doesnt mean shell turn wild or do anything
her heart desires.
Said Edmund,
Ask anyone in her Disney family and theyll tell you the girl
has a squeaky-clean personality, both on and off cam, that sets her apart
from other young stars.
Unknown to many,
Anna Maria never talks back to her parents (never!) and Disney insiders can
attest to this. She never fails to attend Sunday Mass except for Godspell
performances that force her to take Saturday service at St. Malachys
Church (a.k.a. The Actors Chapel) near her Manhattan penthouse pad.
If theres
one last remaining perfect girl on the planet, it could be Anna
Maria, her friends told Funfare.
Good thing Anna
Maria is her own watchdog, said her parents who provided their three children
solid moral foundation as kids. No wonder Anna Marias two role models,
aside from her adorable mom Evelyn, are also two of the most wholesome figures
in Philippine showbiz her legendary Lola Sylvia La Torre (known for
her Filipino custom, no touch rule) and Lea Salonga who was
chaperoned by her mom Ligaya until she was 29.
Wengky (Anna
Marias nickname) is still our baby, said her dad, and
nothings gonna change that.
Shes
so focused at her craft and career, said her mom. I can tell
you she has no time for matters of the heart, at least for now. Its
her choice and she knows it can wait.
When it comes
to work, Anna Marias a pro, according to Glee actor and
Godspell co-star Telly Leung.
Telly, who probably
owns the most magnificent singing voice among Asian American actors, told
Funfare that Anna Maria is hard working and dedicated
and
genuinely enjoys what shes doing.
I should
know because we were there before her, said Telly. We were
her when we were starting on Broadway and I know that she was
born to do what shes doing.
Speaking of Korina,
she joined the cruise with Girlie Rodis. Korina is in New York (for the nth
time) with husband DOTC Sec. Mar Roxas for a two-week second
honeymoon. Theyve watched several Broadway shows and tried New
Yorks new fancy restaurants.
Noted Edmund,
The ageless and popular journalist sat quietly with Girlie and family
members of the celebrator, and gamely posed for photos with star-struck guests
who follow her on The Filipino Channel. As the yacht passed by the majestic
Statue of Liberty, Korina joined the others who stood up near the windows
to marvel at the famous lady. How nice, Korina uttered.
Edmund: Others
like Hunter Parrish, Terry Leung, Uzo Aduba and the half-Pinoy George Salazar,
rushed to the cruise deck outside and braved the biting cold weather to have
their photographs taken with the famous statue in the backdrop. Inside, guests
continued to hit the dance floor to tunes like Moves Like Jagger and Teach
Me How To Dougie, until U.S.S. Respect returned to Manhattans Battery
Park before 4 a.m.
Anna Maria
and the entire Godspell team, led by its director Daniel Goldstein (the only
one who was not able to join the cruise party due to pressing family matters),
are in for another celebration as their cast album released last Dec. 20
for digital download reached the No. 1 spot on iTunes soundtrack chart
with a strong boost, of course, from Anna Marias dazzling rendition
of the hit musicals most popular song Day By Day.
Produced by Stephen
Schwartz, Michael Holland, Kurt Deutsch and executive producer Ken Davenport
(who also produces the revival), the 18-track recording will be released
in stores Jan. 31, 2012, according to Playbill.com.
Stars
start 2012 with a bang
Malaya Business
Insight, Dec. 30, 2011
TODAYS hottest
stars Piolo Pascual, Angelica Panganiban, Diether Ocampo, Bea Alonzo, Gerald
Anderson, Kim Chiu and John Lloyd Cruz are no means resting on their laurels.
Its still work, work, work for these young superstars this coming year.
Piolo, the main man of Star Magic, greets 2012 with a positive vibe
as he is set to star in ABS-CBNs newest soap offering "Padre de Pamilya"
with top stars like Christopher De Leon, Jericho Rosales and Maricar Reyes
this coming February. After the success of his Asian tour in Malaysia and
Singapore for his "Decades 2" album, he had his series of US tour and did
shows for The Filipino Channel in Kuwait, Qatar and Japan. Before the year
ended, he launched his Sunpiology 2012 and participated in Sunlifes
Sunset Run last November. He also continues to be one of Star Magics
top endorsers, doing projects for Myphone Mobile, Clear Shampoo, Centrum,
Canon cameras, Belo,Quickchow, NTT Japan, Century Corned Tuna, Century Bangus,
Century Properties, Real Leaf, Bench, GAOC, Jewelmer and Sunlife. Piolo leaves
2011 with awards to add to his growing list including Hottest Male Celebrity
(Yahoo OMG Awards), a quintuple platinum award for his "Decades 2" album,
Anak TV Seal awardee and was hailed Culture Ambassador for the National Commision
of Culture and Arts.
The controversial
Angelica Panganiban proves to be a force to reckon with as she starts 2012
with a bang. After the success of her Metro Manila Film Festival entry "Segunda
Mano," Angelica will resume shooting one of ABS-CBNs newest teleseryes,
"Alta" with Gretchen Barretto, KC Concepcion, Zanjoe Marudo and Diether Ocampo.
She is also set to do a digifilm and be part of Star Magic US Tour this year.
Angelicas regular stint on "Banana Split" also proves her versatility
as an actress, as she was given the Comedy Actress awards at the 42nd Guillermo
Box Office Awards and Golden Screen Awards and 2011 USTV Student Choice awardee.
Angelica will be continuing her endorsement projects with Pantene, Ponds,
Bench and Zest Air.
After the success
of the teleserye "Guns and Roses" last year, "Alta" is on top of Diether
Ocampos list of things to do in 2012 as he stars in the much-awaited
drama. Diet also continues to be a top endorser as he will still be Pizza
Hut, Bench, Celio and Oakleys celebrity model. He remains active in
his humanitarian role as actively goes to different places for his KIDS
Foundation. Before 2011 wrapped up, he has already planned for the all-year
round activities of KIDS. He recently had a successful trek project in Aklan.
Bea Alonzo remains
to be a Kapamilya as she recently renewed her contract
with ABS-CBN and projects are lined up for her in 2012
which includes a movie with Star Cinema and a new primetime project reviving
her team up with John Lloyd Cruz. With the success of "Guns and Roses" with
Robin Padilla, Bea looks forward to be doing more action-drama TV series
soon. She remains to be one of Star Magics top female endorsers with
a long line of products in her list like Clear, Colour Collection Kashieca,
Lactacyd, Olay, Pacific Blue shades and watches and 4G anti-oxidants.
Gerald starts
the year right with the success of his currently airing teleserye "Budoy"
topping the TV ratings charts. Also his movies with actress Sarah Geronimo,
"You Change My Life" and "Wont Last a Day," in 2011 were both box-office
hits. Gerald is continuing his stint as a host in "ASAP Rocks" and was part
of the Star Magic US Tour last April. A long list of endorsement duties for
Globe telecom, Blackberry phones, Mint, CenturyTuna,Clear, Dermablend, Unisilver,
Puma, Faces and Curves, GAOC, Bench fragrances, L-Time studio and a new food
chain endorsement are waiting for him next year. Gerald made his mark as
an actor in 2011 as he received a Gawad Tanglaw Best Actor trophy for a "Maala
ala Mo Kaya" episode, Choice Male Icon for the 1st Barkada Awards and Favorite
Anak TV Makabata Star for 2011 at the Anak TV Seal Awards.
Kim Chiu is riding high
into 2012 with the high-ratings of her teleserye "My Binondo Girl" and her
new on-screen partnership with Xian Lim. The two are all set to do a movie
too in 2012, on top of Kims already much talked about film "The Healing,"
where she stars alongside Star For All Seasons Vilma Santos. Kim reaped a
lot of awards in 2011, including 2011 ASAP Pop Viewers Choice awards for
Pop Teleserye Character and Pop Female Fashionista. She is also a consistent
winner at the Anak TV Seal Awards for being a role model for the youth.
Kims pretty face will also launch a lot of ad campaigns in 2012 for
Adidas, Bantex, Beabi, Bench apparel and scents Charms and Crystals, Cherry
Mobile, Faces and Curves, Goya chocolates, Monami gel pens, Olay beauty bar
soap, Rejoice, Skin White, M place by SMDC and Whisper.
One of the newsmakers
of 2011, John Lloyd continues to make waves in the entertainment scene and
he is set to wow audiences with a new series opposite former ka-love team
Bea Alonzo. He starts the year right with Star Cinemas 2012 opening
salvo, "Unofficially Yours" with his "Imortal" leading lady Angel Locsin.
Also a consistent Anak TV Seal awardee, his wholesome appeal has also made
him a top notch celebrity endorser for Greenwich, Biogesic, Banana Peel,
Tropicana, Bear Brand, PS Bank, Natasha, Suncellular, Cherry mobile Adidas,
Swatch, GAOC, Head and Shoulders, Magic Crackers, Lucky Me Namnam and Lucky
Me Pancit Pares.
Yellow
Journalism Gone Berserk
by The Shadow
The Filipino Times, Dec. 20, 2011
Bylined The Third Opinion - is a column in this paper created
for the purpose of giving the side of slander victims in a venue that is
not bias or peppered with prejudices. The Third Opinion is written by The
Shadow. It will print the side of those who are not given the chance to answer
the scurrilous denunciations against them in the media by malicious or envious
people and journalists suffering from megalomania and insatiable
lust for grease money. Nobody should be allowed to just ruin the reputation
of people and get away with it, unscathed. Such wickedness has no place in
a civilized society and must be stopped in the name of decent journalism.
Isumbong
kay The Shadow will be the battle cry of victims of malicious mudslinging
that blacken their reputation. The Shadow will revise the ballgame. Lopsided
characterizations will meet equal challenges from The Shadow to put things
on even terms.
It appears that
in America yellow journalism has taken the place of honest-to-goodness newspapers
that disseminate factual news without color, hate or bias. The despicable
practice of maligning private persons is done by some Filipino writers and
tabloids. Whether they do this to make would-be victims come across, is not
certain, albeit, there are writers who try to scare nice people
who are trying hard to earn a decent living, with threats for alleged wrongdoings
in their business. They even intrigue competitors to harass their partners
until the victims succumb, to whatever they want to get it over with even
though the lies can be unmasked in court.
Lately, the shady
scheme met a wall of defiance from solid citizens who vigorously refuse to
be defrauded of their hard earned dollars. This has enraged a peddler of
lies in the media who was told by a couple whom he chose to intimidate with
exposés, to go fly a kite.
It is quite apparent
that negative articles in ethnic Filipino tabloids is full of hate and bias
if not downright fabricated lies meant to wreck the subjects reputation.
Only after mudslinging innocent people would the so-called reporter go to
the motions of asking for their side when the damage has already been done
blacken the victims good name.
This style of
disseminating news is worst than Russian roulette. At least in the deadly
game of life and death, you have a six bullet chance of survival. A tabloid
does not give you that much of an option. You are at the mercy of a desperate
writer hungry for money.
In America yellow
journalism has gone berserk among ethnic Filipino writers. The scheme is
to follow up the dirty mission of destroying honest and hardworking people
who are vulnerable. A case in point is what Balitang America and Filipino
Express did to the Gabriels whose good name and honor they leveled to the
ground by the tissue of lies peddled by a certain Don Tagala, to Balitang
America. The TV show that is perhaps hungry for news about Filipinos in the
US grabbed it without verifying the veracity of the story or getting the
side of the Gabriels. Sensationalized stories even if they are half-truths
make a TV show popular and sponsors salivate to advertise their products
in them.
Gossips are their
cup of tea because it caters to the sadistic instinct of TV viewers who are
glued to the program that peddles the news about Filipinos smearing each
other in the media or suing each other in court. In America tabloids thrive
only if they resort to mudsling the character of solid citizens, which is
readable to Filipinos. This is the obsession of unscrupulous reporters that
even a decent closet queen or gay would not do but Don Tagala has the gall
for it.
Filipino-Americans
hereabouts are having doubts if he is really an overseas reporter for ABS-CBN.
If he were why hasnt he been provided with a car to follow up leads
for his articles instead of fabricating lies or dishing out half-truths in
some of his write ups? And if what we hear is true he would even hitchhike
in the car of the one who accused Ms. Gabriel in court and shamelessly ate
with him in the restaurant after the hearing. If this is true, that explains
his disparaging article about the lady Gabriel. But should a decent writer
take sides?
Doing those things
is liable to be misconstrued that he prostitutes his pen for lunch or a few
dollars, perhaps? Shameless writers practicing yellow journalism do this
to scare feuding Filipinos eager to have their side published. The Gabriels
who are honest and hardworking are not hungry for publicity only fairness
in the media.
But for reasons
unknown to the Gabriels their good name was singled out to be destroyed by
this trigger-happy writer. This is disheartening to Ms. Gabriel because she
comes from a dignified family that is known to support the community and
poor people. Bings father was a Pechangco the very Pechangco
that spent for the operating room of the provincial hospital in their place,
built a public elementary school, sports center and donated a church among
many other civic projects in their home province. This is apart from consistently
contributing to charity for years. She would not soil the revered name of
the Pechangcos not for all the tea in China.
What Don Tagala
and Ted Reyes did to her pained so much because they did not wait for her
to provide them with the documents supporting her side on the issue they
leveled against her. Whatever their reasons - was it worth the pain and disgrace
they caused her and her family? Tagalas conscience has to be numb because
until now he keeps harassing her with calls alleging that he heard a juicy
issue against her, which after he told her was one of those fabricated stories
of an envious individual.
Ted Reyes and
Don Tagala really went overboard when they ridiculed her that she pretends
to be rich by sporting Louis Vuitton bags and wearing designer clothes. This
has no bearing on who she is because the public know her to be such a fastidious
dresser with delicate taste. As I said a while ago, Bing Gabriel comes from
a good family. She would be the last person to ruin it by her indiscretions.
She would even endeavor hard as she has been doing to keep it inviolate.
Nevertheless, her detractors in the media mangled her reputation without
hearing her side.
They categorically
accused her of using the card of someone to pay the Boardwalk of Atlantic
City. This is farthest from the truth because the Boardwalk would only charge
the card if the primary holder gave the card number, security code and his
complete name, and that they got from him on the phone along with his approval.
But now he backtracked saying he only allowed payment for the tickets he
got, which is barefaced lie. Bing had much more money in her bag. She would
not have gone to the trouble of asking the Boardwalk officials to get his
approval to charge his credit card for the balance of the show.
Now he back tracks.
Pathetic! The official of the Boardwalk is willing to testify to their phone
conversation about him giving his consent to pay the amount with his credit
card. All this will surface in court and the truth will surely prevail.
Ted Reyes and
Don Tagala lamely say Mely Bing Pechangco-Gabriel could not be
contacted. Yet, now that Bing is ready to do battle with them in court to
regain her good name and for the damages they caused her and her family,
they easily got hold of her and offered to air her side. Is that fair or
responsible journalism?!
Readers, you be
the judge.
Football
star Tim Tebow still unknown in Philippines city of his birth
by Martin Rogers
The Post Game, Dec. 14, 2011
There isn't any Tebowing going on in Makati City, the sprawling
municipality in the Philippines that was the unlikely birthplace for the
most talked-about athlete in the United States. Not yet, anyway.
Tim Tebow's season,
from the series of extraordinary fourth-quarter comebacks to his cult-figure
status as a true believer, has been remarkable in every way.
Yet, back where
the journey began 24 years ago, the spread of the Tebow phenomenon is still
to happen. Basketball and boxing are the sports of choice in Makati, and
news of the Denver Broncos' 7-1 ride on the shoulders of a talismanic Tebow
hasn't generated any buzz.
"Tee-bone?" said
Makati government official Mila Gonzalez in a telephone conversation with
ThePostGame.com. "How do you spell that?"
Tebow's parents,
Bob and Pamela, were working as Baptist missionaries in the
Philippines when their son was born in the Makati
Medical Center on Aug. 14, 1987. Pamela Tebow was advised to have an abortion
after suffering from a pathogenic amoeba but decided to go through with the
birth despite the risks of her son being stillborn.
Tebow spent the
first three years of his life in the Philippines and has returned on charitable
and religious missions every year since he was 15 years old.
"I will always
have a special place in my heart for the country where I was born," he said
recently.
Given the amount
of focus trained upon Tebow since his latest Sunday miracle, spearheading
the apparently buried Broncos to a 13-10 overtime triumph over the Chicago
Bears, you might have thought Makati, one of the 17 cities that make up the
Filipino capital of Manila, would have latched onto the cultural bandwagon.
But Gonzalez,
one of six government officials contacted for this story, noted that not
one person at Makati City Hall so much as recognized Tebow's name.
"No one here has
heard of him," said Gonzalez. "Is he a current player? Of course it is exciting
for us now you have told us about this, and we will look it up. If someone
from our city is successful it is something for us to celebrate. I am sure
once people begin to realize he is from Makati they will start to follow
him in his sporting endeavors."
Makati offers
a fascinating snapshot of Filipino life. Part of the district forms the financial
hub of the Philippines, complete with skyscrapers and billion-dollar fiscal
institutions. However, just a couple of miles away and within the same district
are slum areas where Tebow's parents worked to provide aid and spiritual
guidance for the locals.
Yet, even the
most passionate of local sports fans have yet to be touched by the Tebow
hype that has engulfed the U.S.
"Basketball is
the biggest sport that we follow; we don't know much about American sports
apart from that," Makati contractor Jerry Araneta said. "I only know of O.J.
Simpson, for obvious reasons. Oh, and Brett Favre. There is a poster of him
in my favorite bar. But not Tim Tebow, I don't know him."
That may change
soon, especially if Tebow's fame and form continue to surge. Two Manila
newspapers are planning stories on the quarterback this week, and Filipino
state television is sending a crew to the Broncos' showdown against the New
England Patriots.
Tebow continues
his family's mission work [Tim's father heads the
Bob Tebow Evangelical
Association, serving the Philippines since 1985], and his foundation
has combined with renowned charity CURE International to build a state-of-the-art
hospital in the troubled region of Davao that will provide reconstructive
surgery for children suffering from deformities.
Funding for the
$3.1 million project is nearly 80 percent complete, and it is expected that
Tebow will be present at the groundbreaking ceremony in January.
U.S.
2010 Census: Filipinos in the U.S. Increased by 38%; Nevada has fastest growing
population
Washington, DC
Recently-released U.S. Census figures indicate that there are 2,555,923
Filipinos in the United States today. The more than 2.5 million is a 38 per
cent increase from the 1.8 million counted 10 years ago.
These figures,
however, only represent counts of Filipino Alone responses to
the 2010 census survey. Based on Census 2000 and 2008 Population Estimates,
it is projected that the total will increase by 20 per cent when the count
for Mixed-Race Filipinos is added by the end of the summer. If
these estimates hold, the total number could top 3.5 million.
As expected, the
largest population is in California, where 1,195,580 Filipinos constitute
3.2 percent of all the people in the state. Hawaii comes second with 197,497,
followed by Illinois, 114,724; New Jersey, 110,650; New York, 104,287; Texas,
103,074; Nevada, 98,351; Washington, 91,367; Florida, 90,223; Virginia, 66,963;
Maryland, 43,923; and Arizona, 35,013.
Filipinos in Nevada
continue to have the highest rate of growth nationwide. Their numbers jumped
from 12,048 in 1990 to 40,529 in 2000 a dramatic increase of 236 percent
more than doubling again in 2010 with 98,351, an increase of 142 percent.
Next to Filipinos in Hawaii who constitute 14.5 percent of the total state
population, Nevadas Filipinos comprise 3.6 percent enough to
swing a close election.
The 2010 census
also points to significant growth of Filipino communities in Arizona
with a 116 percent rise followed by North Carolina, 94 percent; Wyoming,
91 percent; Idaho, 87 percent; Alabama, 82 percent; New Hampshire, 81 percent;
Utah, 80 percent; Texas, 77 percent; and New Mexico, 72 percent.
Below is a
state-by-state breakdown, indicating the percentage increase from the last
census. These figures were compiled with the assistance of Gem Daus, an Asian
American studies professor at the University of Maryland.
This is
great news but our numbers alone wont count unless we translate them
into political power, says NaFFAA National Chairman Eduardo Navarra.
This means we have to register to vote and take time to actually go
out and cast our ballots in local and national elections. This is the only
effective way we can be heard and taken seriously by our elected representatives
when we advocate for those issues that are critical to our community.
Adds Merit Salud,
NaFFAAs national coordinator for FilVote: While we have a high
rate of naturalization and voter registration, our voting rate is embarrassingly
low. We can not continue to be invisible. We must assert our political presence
in this country by stepping up our civic participation in all aspects of
American life.
FilVote plans
to launch a massive voter registration and get-out-the-vote campaign in
preparation for the 2012 national elections.
U.S. CENSUS
Filipinos in the United States
Compiled by the National
Federation of Filipino American Associations (NaFFAA)
The National
Federation of Filipino American Associations (NaFFAA) is a private, non-profit,
non-partisan tax-exempt organization established in 1997 to promote the active
participation of Filipino Americans in civic and national affairs. NaFFAA
is composed of 12 regions with a national office in Washington, D.C. that
monitors legislation and public policy issues affecting Filipino Americans.
NaFFAA partners with local affiliate organizations and national coalitions
in advocating for issues of common concern.
National Federation
of Filipino American Associations (NaFFAA)
1322 18th St NW, Washington DC 20036-1803
http://www.naffaausa.org
Filipino
pride: What is it exactly?
By Lea Salonga
Philippine Daily Inquirer, May 4, 2011
IN A FEW short
days, Manny Pacquiao will slug it out, toe-to-toe with Shane Mosley. For
sure, the whole nation will again stay glued to their TV and radio sets.
Not a few will shell out cash to catch the match via satellite. And many
Pinoy fans who will be watching it live at MGM Grand in Las Vegas will don
our countrys colors, and chant Mannys name, as they would in
prayer, willing him to win.
That same night
on the ring, Charice, another mighty mite from these shores, will sing
Lupang Hinirang before the match begins. She's no stranger, either,
to worldwide attention.
It goes without
saying that Manny and Charicehaving ascended from poverty through a
combination of sheer will, hard work, determination and preparedness at the
arrival of opportunityhave made their own unique dreams come true.
On fight night,
Filipinos across the globe will express, because of these powerhouses, their
pride at being Filipino.
Given that two
of our countrys brightest stars will actually shine at the same time,
I found myself wondering: Exactly what is Pinoy pride?
The dictionary defines proud as to be pleased or satisfied
with another person for his or her achievements and qualities.
Sure, Pinoy pride
can fall under this definition, but I think its more than just feeling
pleased with these two stars individual successes; its about
seeing oneself in them.
We are a country
of 90 million people, many of whom live at, or below, the poverty line. Manny
and Charice were once poor as well, but have overcome it. They symbolize
the hopes and dreams of many Filipinos to perhaps come upon the same degree
(or even a fraction) of that kind of success. But does everyone possess the
same raw talent that they do?
Sadly, no. And
hard work isnt something we inheritbut it s something we
learn and can be trained to do. Besides being fantastically talented, both
Manny and Charice devote the time and effort necessary to yield results,
in the ring and on stage.
We all have our
places in the world, and designations in life. All we should do is be the
best at whatever that might be.
My father once
told me, Honey, if youre going to be a cigarette vendor, thats
all fine and good, but be the best goddamn cigarette vendor you can be.
So, when anybody
says to Manny or Charice, You make us so proud to be Pinoy, that
carries far more weight than merely being pleased with their achievements.
It means, I aspire to be just like you
To Manny, good
luck and much success on Sunday. To Charice, break a leg as you sing our
anthem. You both have made every single Filipino really proud, and you both
have an entire nation behind you.
Greetings
Belated happy
birthday to fellow southerner Charlene Gonzales! May you always go along
on this good earth filled with grace and lightness of spirit. You are blessed
with a wonderful family and a great career. I hope you had a wonderful 25th
birthday (I say this as youll always look 25 to me)!
Belated happy
birthday as well to Maestro Ryan Cayabyab! My only wish is that you live
long enough to create at least two more Pinoy musicals and do another
One album. Have a great one, Mr. C!
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